- Attempt Makalu (8,485m), the fifth-highest peak, from the remote Makalu-Barun approach.
- Fly to Tumlingtar and trek through the Arun valley to Makalu Base Camp.
- Full expedition support for higher camps and a spring or autumn summit window.
- Wild, less-crowded 8,000-metre climbing compared with the Khumbu.
Makalu Expedition
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✓ Best Price GuaranteedStarting Point
Kathmandu
Ending Point
Kathmandu
Max Altitude
8,485m
Difficulty
Challenging
Duration
50 Days
Transportation
Drive / flight
Best Season
March–May and September–November
Accommodation
Hotel and tea houses
Trip Highlights
Trip Overview
Makalu (8,485m), the world’s fifth-highest mountain, is climbed from the remote Makalu-Barun side rather than the Khumbu. The approach begins with a flight to Tumlingtar, a drive toward Num, and a long trek to Makalu Base Camp through rhododendron forest and high pasture.
The climbing period uses a sequence of higher camps on this pyramid-shaped peak. Logistics are heavier than on a tea-house trek: camping, kitchen crew, and a climbing Sherpa team stay with you through the summit window.
Makalu suits experienced alpinists looking for a quieter 8,000-metre objective. Best seasons are pre-monsoon spring and post-monsoon autumn. The expedition ends with the reverse trek and a flight back to Kathmandu.
Trip Short Itinerary
1
Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel
1400 m
2
Fly Kathmandu to Tumlingtar and drive toward Num
410 m
3
Trek toward Makalu Base Camp
4870 m
4
Climbing period at Makalu (8,485m)
8485 m
5
Descend and fly back to Kathmandu
1400 m
6
Final departure from Kathmandu
1340 m
Tailored To Your Needs
Every trekker is different. Makalu Expedition can be customized to match your physical endurance and personal schedule.
Trip Inclusion
General
- Airport pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu by private vehicle
- Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on a bed-and-breakfast basis
- Climbing permit, peak royalty, and required liaison officer fees
- Experienced expedition leader, high-altitude Sherpa support, and base-camp staff
- Group climbing equipment, tents, dining, kitchen, and toilet facilities at base camp
- Meals during the expedition as per the itinerary
- Staff wages, insurance, meals, and transportation
- Agency duffel bag for expedition use
Trip Exclusion
General
- International airfare to and from Nepal
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Travel insurance that includes helicopter evacuation
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
- Personal trekking or climbing equipment
- Personal expenses such as drinks, snacks, laundry, and charging
- Tips for guides, porters, and expedition staff
- Summit bonus and extra oxygen beyond the group allocation
Elevation Profile
1,400m start · 8,485m peak · 1,340m end
8,485m
Peak
8,075m
Gain
Day-To-Day Itinerary
Arrival
Day 1 : Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel
Altitude
1400m
Our representative meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to the hotel. Trek briefing in the evening.
Accommodation
Hotel
Food/Meal
Breakfast
Flight
Day 2 : Fly Kathmandu to Tumlingtar and drive toward Num
Altitude
410m
Domestic flight and jeep toward the Makalu trailhead.
Accommodation
Tea House
Food/Meal
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trekking
Day 3 : Trek toward Makalu Base Camp
Altitude
4870m
Multi-day trek via Tashi Gaon, Khongma and Yangle Kharka to Makalu Base Camp (4,870m).
Accommodation
Tea House
Food/Meal
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trekking
Day 4 : Climbing period at Makalu (8,485m)
Altitude
8485m
Establish higher camps, acclimatize, and wait for a summit window.
Accommodation
Expedition camps
Food/Meal
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Flight
Day 5 : Descend and fly back to Kathmandu
Altitude
1400m
Retrace the approach and return by air from Tumlingtar.
Accommodation
Hotel
Food/Meal
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Departure
Day 6 : Final departure from Kathmandu
Altitude
1340m
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport three hours before your flight.
Accommodation
Lodge
Food/Meal
Breakfast
Trip Equipment
Inner Layer
Thermal Undergarments
Base layer to retain body heat in cold conditions.
Long Sleeve Shirt
Protects from sun exposure and keeps you warm.
Underwear (Cotton)
Carry clean pairs for each day of the trek.
Warm Clothes
Down Jacket
Provides insulation and warmth at high altitudes.
Sweater / Fleece Jacket
Mid-layer for additional warmth and comfort.
Trekking Pant
Comfortable and durable pants suitable for long treks.
Scarf
Provides warmth and protects against cold winds.
Fleece Gloves
Keeps hands warm and protected.
Sleeping Bag
Essential for staying warm during nights.
Mountain Jacket
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Documents
Documents
Important identification and travel permits.
Trek Map
Helps with navigation and route planning.
Foot Wears
Trekking Shoes
Sturdy footwear designed for rough terrain.
Floaters
Lightweight sandals for relaxing at camps.
Socks
Carry multiple pairs to keep feet dry and warm.
Other Accessories
Thermal Undergarments
Base layer to retain body heat in cold conditions.
Rain Poncho
Protects against rain and sudden weather changes.
Sunglasses
Protects eyes from UV rays and snow glare.
Sun Cap
Shields head and face from strong sunlight.
Woolen Cap
Keeps head warm in cold environments.
Trekking Backpack (40-60L)
Carry all your gear comfortably.
Trekking Pole
Improves balance and reduces strain on knees.
Hygiene Kit
Toilet Paper
Essential hygiene item for remote areas.
Moisturiser & Sunscreen
Prevents skin dryness and sunburn.
Lip Balm
Protects lips from dryness and cracking.
Hand Towel
Compact towel for personal hygiene.
Soap
Basic cleaning and hygiene essential.
Toothbrush & Toothpaste
Maintains oral hygiene during the trek.
Other Essentials
Medical Kit
Basic first aid supplies for emergencies.
Snacks
Provides quick energy during trekking.
Water (At least 2 liters)
Stay hydrated throughout the trek.
Camera
Capture memories of the trek.
Extra Battery
Backup power for electronic devices.
Trip Information
Travel documents
- Valid passport (at least six months)
- Nepal visa (available on arrival)
- Travel insurance with helicopter evacuation
- Passport copies and passport-size photos
- Airline tickets and hotel confirmation
Trekking equipment
- Broken-in trekking boots
- Down jacket and layered clothing
- Sleeping bag rated for the altitude
- Daypack, duffel bag, and trekking poles
- Headlamp, sunglasses, and water bottles
- Personal first-aid kit
Climbing equipment
- Crampons, ice axe, and climbing harness
- Helmet and jumar / descender as advised
- Expedition mittens and high-altitude boots for 7,000m+ peaks
The recommended season for this trip is March–May and September–November. Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the most stable windows on Nepal’s high trails.
Difficulty is rated Challenging, and the maximum altitude is 8,485m. Travel insurance that covers helicopter evacuation is required.
Trekkers Feedback
Safe and sanitary treks of your dreams
Buddhi Rai led my wife and I (and 9 other U.S trekkers aged 40s to 80) on a trek on the Tibetan Plateau (Mustang) and a elephant-and-rhino safari by foot and canoe in Chitwan National Park in October 2025. We took two other treks led by Buddhi to Tsum Valley (2022) and rhododendron trails near Annapurna (2024). On all three treks, his team put safety first and met each trekker's daily needs, including healthy meals/water and helping hands (and/or rides) when needed. We were introduced to Buddhi by his friend/mentor Sydney Frymire from the Washington DC area and New York. Sydney described her Nepal trek experiences in her (Amazon) book, "How a Cup of Masala Tea Changed My Life." Buddhi and many of his guides and staff come from near Basa, his home village.
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Alan O
Upper Mustang Trek 2026/2027
Trip of Lifetime.
Buddhi, Thank you so much for such a beautiful trip. It was lovely meeting you and sharing this experience with you and the team. Thank you for your guidance and coordination with everything. Until next time! Buddhi, I feel very grateful to have received you as a gift from Sydney. There is no need to forget. We will all need our time to grief and feel her memory. Once we are ready, we all will find a way to open the new chapter that she would have love that we all write together! See you soon! From USA.
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Andrea Devis.
Gokyo Valley Trek 2026/2027
Trip of Lifetime. 2
“Buddhi has been our lead guide and organizer on three Nepal treks since 2017. He has impressed us as an outstanding leader with deep experience and an extremely professional and trustworthy organizer. On our trips, he handled the sometimes-complex challenges and unavoidable surprise situations brilliantly, always finding safe and sensible solutions. I would never choose a different guide for my next trek in Nepal. Ingrid & Hans Schulz” From USA.
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Ingrid & Hans Schulz
Gokyo Valley Trek 2026/2027
Trip of Lifetime. 3
Namaste to you Buddhi.
You were and will always be a source of inspiration to me!
Your way of walking “the path” … one step at a time was more than just “guide-man-ship”.
It has been a mantra for reinforcing my life every day.
I hope I return to Nepal as well. ❤️
My memories of the beautiful country and people are etched in my heart forever!
Next time a gentler trek! ;)…
I’m glad to hear your family doing well. Don’t forget to send those pictures from time to time! :)
Sending love to them and you! From USA.
❤️❤️❤️
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Susan Chaudry
Pikey Peak Trek: Best Short Treks 2026/2027
